Tuesday, 22 April 2014

Mercian Archaeological Services CIC' s David Budge has been using his expertise to train volunteers in Medieval pottery and pottery analysis techniques based around a University of Nottingham Museum archive from excavations in Skegby in the 1960's.

The project has ran for 3 days so far - with a fantastic turnout amounting to over 42 volunteer days or 8.5 weeks of outreach so far- with days still to go!The project so far has been fantastic with volunteers being educated and trained to the highest level (beyond the usual sorting and washing available at other units) with a range of activities have been taught including:Sorting the finds into context groups, Washing and re-marking finds where necessary, Re-packaging and labelling the material to comply with modern museum standards to allow more effective curation of the assemblage, Sorting the pottery into ware and fabric types,Weighing and recording the pottery, Using microscopes and electronic microscopes and computers to analyse minerals in the pottery fabric,Illustrating important rims / bases / profiles.Training sessions on ceramic fabrics and medieval pottery identification .Training in the standards and guidance of the Medieval Pottery Research Group.There will be other opportunities for more learning and training soon!

This one day conference featured some of the best work undertaken by local Community Archaeology companies, groups and individuals from around the region.

Community Archaeology has come of age in recent times and heritage groups and volunteers are now setting incredible standards in archaeological research.

Community Archaeology is now a fully fledged branch of archaeology and there are also now a whole range of dedicated professionals who are full time Community Archaeology Providers.There has been a sea-change in provision of services to Community groups in recent years with a move away from large commercial companies providing work on the side, and when funding was available - to full-time community archaeology providers and companies like Mercian Archaeological Services CIC who are dedicated to providing support to volunteers and groups.Mercian’s first “East Midlands Community Archaeology Conference” reflected this change, with volunteers, groups and professional community archaeologists presenting their results and theories in a lively and informal way.Many of the old barriers felt broken down as people talked, networked and enthused with other like-minded people.It was a great day for idea sharing and project discussions, and much was learned through the course of the day about the excellent work being undertaken across the region.There was also lively debate and networking during the refreshment breaks and in the museum.

Here is what some of the delegates had to say about the day:“Thanks for one of the best conferences I have ever been to, and I have been to a few I can tell you…” - Richard Smith“Fantastic, enjoyable and informative - real archaeology from the people who love it! Well done to you all” - Chris Rawson

“Thank you ALL so much. I met so many super-interesting new people today! Great to see so many old faces as well. Thanks for having me on the bill, hope to keep up to date with everyone else's projects for a long time to come as well”. - James Wright “Absolutely brilliant day thanks Mercians for bringing together such a totally amazing group of speakers. Loved every bit” - Lorraine Dowen

Here is what some of the delegates had to say about the day:“Thanks for one of the best conferences I have ever been to, and I have been to a few I can tell you…” - Richard Smith

“Fantastic, enjoyable and informative - real archaeology from the people who love it! Well done to you all” - Chris Rawson

“Thank you ALL so much. I met so many super-interesting new people today! Great to see so many old faces as well. Thanks for having me on the bill, hope to keep up to date with everyone else's projects for a long time to come as well”. - James Wright

“Absolutely brilliant day thanks Mercians for bringing together such a totally amazing group of speakers. Loved every bit” - Lorraine Dowen“Excellent day and thanks to all the Mercian crowd for giving us the opportunity to talk about our projects” - Richard Tyndall

The conference was very well attended, showing the great enthusiasm and appetite for community outreach and knowledge sharing in archaeology, and showcased work by the following speakers:Tim Yarnell, The Forestry Commissions Archaeologist for England - IntroductionsStuart Reddish - the Friends of Thynghowe, NottinghamshireSue Brown and Janet Spavold of the Ticknall Archaeological research Group, DerbyshireJohn Lock -the Burgage Earthworks project in Southwell, NottinghamshireJames Wright - the Archaeology and History of kings Clipstone Project, NottinghamshireJim Priest, Volunteer Archaeologist, Sherwood Archaeology Society, NottinghamshireRichard Tyndall - Archaeology in Ancaster, LincolnshireChristine Rawson and Alex Sotheran of Elmet Archaeological Services Ltd. South YorkshireDaryl Garton - the Ice Age Journeys, Farndon, Nottinghamshire

Donate to the Sherwood Forest Archaeology Project

Your sponsorship provides opportunities for different groups and individuals to experience their Local Heritage together... the Project engages people from all walks of life and ages; including adults with learning difficulties, young people, as well as those currently out of work desiring transferable skills, students needing experience, and volunteers... in this landscape of legends and folklore... all overseen by professional community archaeologists.

Community Archaeology can be a great source of social good as well as education.

The project combines community archaeology, research and outreach work- that promotes the archaeology, history and heritage of the wider Sherwood Forest, its landscape and people.

This research is intrinsically linked to raising the profile and value of the wider Sherwood Forest area.